The recent (January 2018) desperately cold weather has made enjoying the regular breaks less tempting than during good weather. Because winter brings a later time for sunrise, we often put off our first walk. Waiting for the morning light means we can go out without a leash on the dog. When we’ve had snow and slick conditions, the dog gets dark-time leash freedom too. I’m not into falling out anytime but especially hate falling in frigid snow!

I appreciate the Chrome browser extensions reminding me to get up or look away from the screen even more in dismal weather. Since I’m guilty of dodging some of the outdoor breaks, the indoor times are even more important.

When we can get outside, I do like to have a walking stick. I don’t need it for support, but like the way it paces my moves. Who knows, we might meet a vicious mouse or snake on our paths when the stick would be a good defense tool.

I Break for Mail Box

Living in a rural order, we get to enjoy walking to a mail box along the gravel road. When I want a letter to go out in the mail, we can walk to the mail box, put the letter inside and raise the red flag. We’ll make the trip again in late afternoon to pick up mail that has been left for us.

Walking Yoga on Break

During warmer weather, I don’t mind adding some upper body strength training motions to a walk time. The motion helps me with deeper breathing and releases more stress toxins. I’m not a jogger nor a pep-stepper. I enjoy a good stroll. The dog enjoys having a bit of time to sniff out all clues left for her by bunnies passing in the night.

Break Away from the Chair

As mentioned at Ozarks Mystique, I believe the computer chair is the health hazard cigarette of of the 21st Century. I absolutely make every effort to get up and move. The work I’m doing at present is not as mesmerizing as graphic work. I find that breaks are easier to manage. I have my office set up so that I can’t retrieve printed pages or run the scanner without leaving the chair. Books and many office supplies are not within easy reach.

When Sandy and I need a break from the chair, we’re not too good to take the phone with us and get a little lay-down ‘soft’ nap till the next call comes in.

How do you arrange for break time away from your work?

Does a bell ring in an office for you reminding you that you are on break?